NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has announced that the Ottawa Senators will receive a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL draft, a decision that softens the original penalty levied against the team. The Senators were initially penalized a first-round draft choice due to a botched trade with the Vegas Golden Knights involving winger Evgenii Dadonov.
Speaking to reporters, Bettman stated that Senators owner Michael Andlauer's appeal, emphasizing the team's strategy of building through the draft, influenced his decision. "Michael Andlauer, from the time he closed on the franchise, made it clear that this was something important to him," Bettman said. The NHL announced on March 12th that the Senators would receive the No. 32 overall selection in June's draft instead of forfeiting their first-round pick completely. The team will also pay a $1 million fine to the NHL Foundation Canada.
The Senators' organization expressed gratitude towards the league and Commissioner Bettman for reconsidering the penalty. The team is currently competing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes, with their next home game scheduled for April 25th at the Canadian Tire Centre.
This decision provides a significant boost to the Senators' rebuilding efforts as they aim to solidify their roster with young talent. The team clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season on April 11th, marking their first time in consecutive years since the 2012-2013 season.
